Chapter Text
It’s been an alpha-free house with just Anders and Keiren for over a week, and Keiren has for the most part been enjoying not having Claude breathing down his neck.
Of course, he still does his chores like always. This time when James had told him to be good for Anders at the door on their way out, Keiren had taken the words to heart.
Keiren is allowed to leave the house with Anders, though they mainly do boring things like grocery shopping. Sometimes Anders takes him out to the arcade or the movies, but being with Anders makes Keiren feel a little childish, since the beta’s tastes are much more sophisticated than his, and it’s clear that he’s just being indulged.
It’s not uncommon for the house to be just Keiren and Anders under normal circumstances, with the alphas out on jobs the most out of the three “working” wolves, but it is rare for anyone to be gone for more than a few days. The reason for the current anomaly is actually not a long-term job. As Claude had sat down and explained to Keiren, Claude and James had left to go pick out a new pack member.
Keiren had been instantly excited by the news.
He’s been waiting for another omega for so long, he’d just about given up hope.
He’s honestly getting really sick and tired of being on the bottom of the barrel all of the time. Keiren had gone so far as bringing a stray cat to be his new pack mate, but that had ended up only getting him in trouble. After Keiren’s punishment for getting a pet without permission, which had involved cleaning up all the cat hair brought into the house, among other things, James had found Meowulf a forever home with one of his coworkers. Even then, though, it had taken Keiren a while to recover, and he’s still not quite over it.
Though everyone had said the cat scent and shedding was the problem, Keiren suspects that it also had to do with Meowulf’s fearless rejection of the pack hierarchy. The only one Meowulf had listened to was Keiren, and Keiren thinks the others had gotten jealous of that. Well, Meowulf had really only partially listened to Keiren - but even then, as the owner, Keiren had been the one to take the fall for all of Meowulf's naughtiness, and that was a heavy responsibility, when the one in question slashed and hissed at their leader without trepidation. Keiren had never seen James' bleed before that, though the alpha never reacted to the pain in any way whenever he had picked the cat up.
Anyways, Keiren had actually been planning on asking permission to get a dog next, since dogs tended to be more obedient, but that plan had been put on hold when he heard the news about the new pack member.
People were finally listening to him!
Keiren enjoys his reprieve from the alpha’s strict regime, but at the same time, he also anxiously awaits their return.
“Keir, they’re back.”
Keiren jumps up from the couch when Anders calls out to him and races to the entryway. He’s normally annoyed when his game gets interrupted because of the mandatory scenting ritual greeting thing, but this time he doesn’t even mind.
“Is the new member with them? Are they?” he asks excitedly. His senses aren’t sharp enough to tell such things yet. “Is it a girl or a boy?” He’s been told suspiciously little information about the selection.
“Yes,” Anders replies calmly. “They’re here. James has already claimed them, so when they greet you, you need to bare your neck just like always, okay?” he tells him.
That makes Keiren stop for a second.
“W-wait.” His brow furrows in confusion. “I have seniority, so shouldn’t they be the ones baring their neck to me?” He asks, folding his arms.
Anders is about to answer him when the door swings open. Even if he does answer, Keiren isn’t able to pay attention while being mauled by an overly eager young wolf, sniffing and licking him all over.
“Keir! I’m back!” Claude squeezes the breath out of his lungs in a tight hug. “I missed you so much!” He exclaims, nuzzling into his neck for good measure before finally pulling away. James manages to get in a quick scenting while Claude continues his overdone display. “Did you miss me? Huh? Did you miss Alpha?” he asks, eyes bursting with hope and affection as they gaze down at him.
Claude should know by now that Keiren hates nothing more than when he calls himself Alpha. It’s one of those things that’s so pathetic, it even makes Keiren feel embarrassed.
Keiren would’ve ignored his alpha anyways, but there’s something else on his mind other than Claude’s sad antics right now.
“Who cares about that right now?” He brushes him off, poking his head out to do a sweep of the room. “Where are they?” He asks, peeling his eyes for some sign of them. “Where’s the new guy? … Or girl,” he tacks on at the end, not wanting to assume.
“He’s just getting the luggage from the car,” James supplies in place of Claude. “I think you’ve met him before,” he tells him easily, “but he’s part of our pack now, so be sure to introduce yourself properly Keiren.”
Keiren doesn’t miss the little prickle of warning underneath the alpha’s light tone, though he doesn’t really think he’s the one James should be worrying about. Keiren has never been anything but perfectly polite to strangers. Claude’s the one with a record of attacking people upon first meeting.
He tries not to be insulted by James’ lack of trust and turns back towards the entrance when he hears someone approaching.
There’s the sound of suitcase wheels on the front porch, and then the creek of the hinges as the door is pushed open again.
Keiren’s heart races as the seconds count down until the new pack member is revealed, like a clock running on a game show.
Hands full of duffle bags and suitcases, (some of which are James and Claude’s… After all that talk of physical labor is for alphas, housework is for omegas, Claude went and made the omega carry his luggage! Disgraceful.) wearing jeans and scuffed work boots, a tan, auburn-haired, partially sunglass-covered reddish-brown eyes, and what looks like a tootsie pop in his mouth. And even though he’s literally saddled with luggage, he seems to carelessly stride through the entrance like there’s nothing in the world that could bother him.
Keiren’s mouth gapes open as he lays eyes on him, his breath escaping.
“Hey there.” The newcomer lifts at hand, catching his stunned stare with a little grin. “It’s good to see you again. Claude told me to call you Keir, if that’s okay. I guess we didn’t have time to exchange names last time,” he shrugs, “with you getting hauled off like that.”
“Keir,” Claude gently steps in, maybe sensing that Keiren’s heart has stopped beating. That surges of blood are rushing to his temples. “This is Gen.” He gestures towards the other wolf while putting his other hand on the base of Keiren’s neck, as if to prod him to bow it. “He’s a beta wolf from my old pack, and part of our pack now.”
It only takes another twitch of the new wolf’s grin for Keiren to unleash.
He knocks Claude away with an elbow as his lips contort into a vicious snarl.
“He’s the new packmate!?” he points at the deadbeat with red-hot accusation and betrayal. He can’t believe it. This has to be some sort of prank. “No way is he allowed to join! This deadbeat, criminal-”
“Keir, behave…”
Claude pinches the back of his neck and projects a heavy warning scent in an attempt to calm him, but Keiren is so infuriated that even that’s not enough to stop him. He pushes right through the instincts telling him to submit.
“He’s not even an omega!” Keiren snaps angrily. “What’s the point of a new pack member if he’s just another beta! We already have one of those!”
“Keir, quiet.”
Claude warns in a low voice now. His breath down his neck, this time he successfully gets Keiren’s attention. Kind of.
“B-but you don’t know what he did!” Keiren whips around in a challenge to the unfairness. Claude probably doesn’t even know who this person is, what he’s done to him - and that “Gen” or whoever is just standing there with that same smug smirk on his face while Keiren is the one being scolded. “He-”
Keiren is cut off mid-sentence as his body is suddenly maneuvered sideways and tucked underneath Claude’s arm. It takes the first palm hitting his bottom for him to realize what’s happening, his eyes bulging with shock and disbelief as Claude proceeds to land four more rapid spanks to his rearend.
It’s not as hard as the alpha normally does it, and it’s over his clothes, but it still leaves Keiren teary-eyed when he’s stood back up on his feet and his now slack body is forced into a bow.
“Bare your neck and let your new packmate scent you,” Claude firmly instructs from behind him, saying it like an order without giving him the chance to move by himself. He continues to hold Keiren tightly by the neck as he frog marches him over.
Embarrassed and frustrated, Keiren doesn’t even want to raise his head.
His butt stings. The alpha cloud is still heavy and disappointed. That pompous beta bastard just witnessed him get spanked, even if it was more of a reprimand than the real thing. And none of it is his fault.
Out of the corner of the eye, Keiren can see Anders beginning to take the luggage while James watches the situation with mild approval. As always, things go on as normal without a drop of sympathy spared for him. No one even really reacts.
Keiren feels himself completely deflate, all of his excitement from before draining away. He simmers in his bitterness and disappointment, biting his lip. This is the worst. The worst possible outcome. He couldn’t imagine a greater nightmare if he tried.
Gen doesn’t seem to mock him as he leans in to scent his neck, but he might of well have. He definitely does smile when Keiren chances a weak glare up at him through his eyelashes, and it takes everything Keiren has not to gnash his teeth at him.
“Good Keir,” Claude praises before he can mess things up; the warmth has returned to his tone, but his hand stays tightly wrapped around the back of his neck. “We’re going to talk more about everything later,” he goes on, “so don’t worry. For now though…” Keiren stiffens again when he sees where Claude is leading him.
“A-Alpha…” Keiren tries, because he knows that has the best chance of working.
And while Claude does appear pleased, he doesn’t divert from his path.
“Here.” Claude picks up a cushion from one of the couches as he walks by. “You can use this,” he offers as if in consolation. “But I think you should sit in your chair in the corner and calm down for a bit,” he says softly, like it’s a suggestion. “After that, you can join us for the pack meeting,” he states, slowly releasing his neck and turning him around to peer down at him, “okay Keir?”
Keiren nods sullenly and takes the cushion.
“Okay Keir?” Claude repeats, even though Keiren is already doing what he says. But he doesn’t feel like fighting back with all these other people watching, so chooses to suck it up this time to make things easier for himself.
“Okay, Alpha,” he mumbles, and the last of the warning fog clears.
“Good,” Claude smiles and kisses his temple before sending him out into exile.
Claude keeps his hand on his neck throughout the entire pack meeting.
James makes it very clear at the beginning that “Gen” here is now a packmate, and will be treated as such by everyone, while looking at Keiren the entire time. All the while, Keiren grits his teeth and stares resentfully into his lap. He ignores Gen as much as he can, not confident that he’ll be able to control himself if he has to look at his smug face again.
There is some good news that comes out of the complete and utter letdown of Gen’s arrival though.
Keiren gets approval to attend the local community college, which well, is really good, because he’s been desperate for something to do outside of chores ever since he’d been forced to quit his job.
Of course, college comes with the caveat that Gen has to attend with him, which does instantly sour the appeal of higher education.
“Hmph,” Keiren harrumphs and thrusts his chin up into the air. “Then I don’t want to go,” he bites out. “He can go by himself.”
“That’s fine Keiren,” James tells him coolly. “No one’s forcing you to go to school. But you’re not going to be allowed to go by yourself, so if you do want to go to college, it will have to be while Gen is attending too.”
Keiren clutches at his knees, a little conflicted now. He’d never had a great time at school, but he’s always been interested in learning. And everyone he talks to says the college is much better than high school and middle school.
“I-I’ll think about it,” he says after a while, and James seems to be satisfied with that.
Anders gives him pamphlets for the community college later and asks him to research what courses he might be interested in.
Keiren looks over them after stomping off and shutting himself in his room, where he intends to stay until dinner, which James reminds him of on his way up the stairs.
Once he reaches the safety of his bed, Keiren absently flips through the catalog of courses while silently cursing the new beta intruder. James and Claude had literally gone and chosen the worst possible wolf out there for their new pack member. Claude, he’d never trusted, but James he’d thought would at least have some sense.
Keiren wishes he could trade the beta in for Meowulf. As things are, Kerien is still in the exact same place in the pecking order. They hadn’t even had the decency to pick another omega.
All of his hopes have been ruined.
Gen tosses the Tootsie Pop stick into the nearest trash bin and glances outside the window.
Well, the omega was even more of a brat than he’d remembered, but at least he was easily taken care of. Just a few swats had had him subdued, though probably not in contrition. He thinks he gets what Claude had meant by the omega being “sensitive” though. At first he’d assumed that that had been a euphemism for brat, but now he sees that it’s more complicated than that. Though he is of course also a brat. Probably the biggest one he’s ever seen.
Claude is a year or so older than him, so Gen had practically grown up with Claude being the next in line to run the pack. Their pack was somewhere between liberal and conservative, and he remembers Claude being generally regarded as strict but fair. He’d been pretty popular, even with the other alphas. He’d known when to show dominance, but for the most part, he’d treated everyone with kindness. Though somewhere in that, Gen had felt a sense of detachment from him.
Others had been worried sick when he’d left. And Gen knows that Claude likely hadn’t had a choice either way, when James had taken him. The infamous James had been painted as the monster, stealing their promising future pack leader.
But Gen had never really believed that story.
Claude had acted sad when he’d said goodbye to everyone, but deep down, Gen could tell that he was relieved, happy even, at being able to leave his responsibilities.
Well anyways. Gen can’t say that he ever would’ve guessed that their Claude would end up being brought to his knees by one twerpy little omega.
There’s actually a lot of things he doesn’t understand.
Like for instance, why, out of all of the wolves out there, Gen had been recruited to join James’ pack.
It’s not as if he and Claude had been particularly close or anything. Maybe Claude had beat him once or twice in school for graffiti or something, but that was pretty much the extent of it. And he also doesn’t think that should count as a mark in his favor. Their pack is one of the larger ones out there, and the golden boy had been a faraway existence for an average beta like him. It’s actually still a little strange for him, being around Claude like this - like he's starstruck.
Though, having the infamous strongest known alpha in the world as pack leader makes Claude feel pretty normal in comparison.
Even when he’s not particularly trying to be threatening, James has an intimidating presence, as one might expect.
Gen remembers choking in fear when James had appeared in the woods that day. He’d been shocked beyond belief when Keiren had talked back to him too – wondering how the omega could even be capable of that, when just James’ aura had other alphas bowing and baring their necks.
So Gen had been anxious, to say the least, when James had called for him a few weeks ago.
Sitting across from him, his hands had trembled, his throat going dry.
“I-I’m not… sure if you’ve mistaken me for someone else or something, Alpha,” he’d started, trying to work through his confusion respectfully. You weren’t required to address alphas outside of your pack with the title, but the word had naturally left his lips. And well, while betas were generally protected from outside alpha, this alpha was kind of famous for rejecting that rule, so maybe it was best to play it safe. “I’m not the best at fighting, not even out of the beta in our pack. I can give you some other names, if you want.”
“Fighting?” Gen remembers James' brow lifting in amusement. “Claude can train you to do that if he wants, but that’s not what I need you for. You see.” The alpha had stared down at him, dark gold eyes observing him patiently. “There’s an imbalance in my pack, and you’re going to fix it,” he’d told him, as if anointing him with some grand, prophetic purpose.
And Gen hadn’t really been able to tell him then, that he was just a regular, average beta with no skills or talents to add worth to his name. He’d wasted most of his youth so far smoking and complaining, drowning in cynicism and tedium, and pretending like he didn’t care. He hadn’t even have the balls to tell the alpha that was making a mistake.
James hadn’t ended up expounding upon the statement any further than that though, and the only other questions he’d asked had been about Gen’s interest in furthering his education and school.
“You’re going to have to start at the community college level though. Our Keiren has some gaps in his education, so the local college might be too big of a jump for him.”
That had made things begin to make more sense for Gen.
James just wanted someone who could look out for the pack omega while they were at school. The reasoning is solidified when he sees how worrisome and possessive Claude is of Keiren. Though it still doesn’t quite explain why Gen had been chosen specifically.
Maybe it was because James had known he’d say yes. Gen can’t deny that he’d given off bored beta killing time in lame mountain town waiting for anything interesting to happen vibes. James probably could’ve convinced better wolves than him, but it might’ve taken more time and effort. Gen had been easy in that regard.
Well, whatever the reason had been, he’s here now.
He’s mildly anxious that he might’ve fucked things up, with how the omega had blown up at him and then stormed off, but from James’ reactions, all that had been expected. The brat really must just act like that.
Which well, doesn’t bode well for him, but he also doesn’t really care. Babysitting a bratty omega is a small price to pay for a ticket to the outside world, and for a chance at further education.
But now that he’s gotten through the first hurdle of introductions, and after going a long car ride without, Gen is really hankering for a cigarette. With how overprotective Claude is of the omega, he’s not even going to begin to hope that he can smoke inside, and he finds his gaze wandering out to the yard through the window.
“Alpha.” Gen carefully addresses James once the post-meeting discussion seems to come to an end. “Is there a place I can smoke?” he asks, gesturing toward the yard with a little tilt of his head.
“Ah.” James meets his eyes in a delayed, somewhat distracted response to the question. His lips show a pleasant, close-lipped smile that isn’t reflected in his gaze. “We’re a non-smoking household,” he answers simply, with no further elaboration.
“Oh.” Gen pinches one of his fingers. Maybe he should have asked Anders instead. Talking to alphas can be scary, even when you’re asking the most mundane questions. He’d grown up in a wolf pack, so he’s not a stranger to hierarchy, but it still takes time to get used to new authority figures. He still hasn’t settled into his place here yet, and he can’t really blame himself, when the most powerful alpha in the world is sitting across from him on the couch. “I, um,” he tries again. “I mean like outside,” he clarifies. “I have spray that will make the smell go away.”
James lifts his eyes from his phone for only a moment to look at him before letting them fall back down again.
“We’re a non-smoking household,” he repeats in the same even tone. Though there’s no threat in it, Gen feels the passive message the alpha sends loud and clear. I’ve already answered your question.
Gen finds himself involuntarily bowing his head.
“Y-yes Alpha.”
Such a basic conversation as this has him stuttering and regretting talking at all. He should’ve retreated with Anders the moment he’d had a chance.
“Anders,” James throws his head back against the cushion and calls out for his beta. Gen is stupidly relieved that the focus has been diverted from himself, but then his chest tightens up again at the alphas next words. “Make sure to throw out any cigarettes Gen brought with him in his bags.”
There’s a quiet response of “Yes Sir,” from somewhere else in the house before James’ eyes swoop back to Gen.
Gen can’t help but swallow a lump in his throat.
“I hope that makes things clear,” James says plainly, not waiting for an answer as he speaks. “I think you’ve had enough of a break now anyways though,” he states, his eyes flickering in the direction of the stairway as he makes the pointed comment. “Why don’t you go check in on Keiren? Tell him it’s on Alpha’s orders, of course,” he adds, making clear his suggestion is very much not that. “Since it's Alpha’s orders, so you can force your way in if you need to. Keiren... gets a little protective of his room.”
“I’ll go with you!” Claude volunteers before he can respond. To be honest, Gen had been so occupied with James and his need for a nicotine fix, he'd forgotten about the other alpha for a moment.
“No, Claude,” James quickly dismisses him. “You need to give the two of them time alone together,” he explains with a measured stare as the other alpha deflates. “Go help Anders unpack.”
It’s a little odd to see how rapidly Claude’s mood can fluctuate when it comes to the omega. It’s not something he would’ve imagined for him. Even now, when Keiren’s not around, Claude remains the even-keeled, steady, and reliable alpha Gen remembers from his youth, but it only takes the mention of Keiren to have him stumbling.
Well, it happens to every alpha to some degree when they find a mate. It’s not something he’ll ever understand, though he guesses he should get used to it, since Claude will be the one directly above him from now on.
“Gen.” Claude claps him on the shoulder as he makes his way for the stairs. “For now, if Keir needs to be taken care of, you come to me first, got it?” he presses. His gray eyes seem to grow a shade darker as he leans in.
Yeah, as if Gen were going to poke that snake on the first day. He didn’t need to be told that much.
But he supposes he can give the alpha some reassurance, so his shoulder doesn’t get crushed.
“Roger that, Alpha,” he answers with a two-finger salute.
Claude gives him a serious nod in return. “Good,” he states, then sends him off with a firm slap on the back.
And so with a deep sigh, Gen starts his way up the stairs to the brat’s lair.
God, he really wants a fucking cigarette.
He slouches with a hand in his pocket as he wraps his knuckles on the door.
“Go away, Claude!” comes in response, and Gen inwardly sighs at the omega’s poor sense of smell. It was going to be really fucking annoying, having to announce himself like a human all the time.
“Come on little piggy,” he calls through the door. “Let me in or I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down. Also,” he adds for efficiency’s sake, “James is probably going to spank you over the car hood again if you don’t.”
“No he won’t!” The door bursts open after a few loud, angry stomps. Despite his denial, there’re clear lines of fear and worry in the omega’s furrowed brow as he glares up at him. Gen takes advantage of the opening and slides past him into the room before he gives him any more trouble. “H-hey!” Keiren barks after him. “I didn’t say you could come in!”
“And I said I got already got permission from the head honcho,” he replies flippantly, looking around the place. It’s not too messy, more cluttered. There’s a TV, some kind of game set, and a bunch of floor furniture, which all checks out with what he’s heard. “It’s not like I want to hang out in here either,” he shrugs, then finds a place on the carpet to sit down.
“Hey what are you doing making yourself at home!” Keir yells, stomping his foot on the ground in front of him.
“Ughh,” Gen holds a hand to his temple. “Can you stop yapping? Even if your hearing sucks, mine doesn’t. Ever tried being considerate?”
“You’re the one invading my space!” The omega snaps back accusingly.
He does seem to marginally calm down after a few frustrated breaths though. Looking up at him, it’s hard to take him seriously with his arms crossed and his cheeks puffed out like that.
“Well, we’re supposed to talk,” Gen prompts, “so why don’t you take a seat?”
“It’s my room,” Keir asserts with a glare. “I don’t need your invitation to take a seat,” he says as he carefully sinks to the floor on the other side of the room.
Gen can already tell this is going to be very tiresome. He honestly doesn’t even know why the omega is so aggressive towards him. He couldn’t really still be hung up on how his little sister had borrowed his little game toy thing almost a year ago, right?
“Whatever,” he lets out a sigh. “Did you look through that catalog Anders gave you? You should start thinking about what courses you want to take and whatnot.” He waves a casual hand, making a gentle push. Gen will be kind of screwed if the omega follows through on the threats he'd made at the pack meeting. If Keiren throws away his chance of college, Gen's golden tick will be thrown away with it, and he's not exactly jumping to go back to the mountains before he's even begun to taste the outside world.
“I did!” Keir replies defensively. “And don’t tell me what to do,” he tacks on, like it makes him sound threatening at all. “I don’t know what a thief like you did to trick the others,” he points a finger out in his direction and sharpens his glare, “but I still haven’t accepted you as a packmate, so don’t start thinking you can go throwing your weight around, beta.”
“Pshh,” Gen can’t help but laugh at the performance. “What,” he smirks, “are you auditioning to join the omega mafia or something? Maybe you should enter the theatre program,” he suggests with mock seriousness. “I think they have one. Come on, hand me the pamphlet, let’s see.”
“I guess you should go for accounting then,” Keir bites back. “I hear helping rich people avoid taxes is basically thievery, so I’m sure you’d love it.”
Gen has to admit that while it was a little funny at first, the material is getting a little old.
He pulls a long face, feeling especially desperate for a cigarette.
“Really,” he complains. “How long are you going to keep bringing that up? I’m not even the one who took your Gameboy, you know? And Sally-Lou already apologized. Ever heard of beating a dead horse?”
Despite Gen’s, well half-made, attempts to appease the omega, his words seem to only add fuel to the fire.
“How can someone so dumb be allowed to go to college?” Keiren throws his hands up in frustration. A vein appears to have popped on his forehead. “It was a Switch, not a Gameboy!” he exclaims ferociously, like he's just committed some grave, mortal sin.
“A switch, huh?” Gen repeats leisurely in the face of the omega's boiling anger. The other three new packmates, he'll tread carefully around, but this one is not so scary to him. He's more like a frightened cat than anything, really. One who's also blind and deaf. Gen smiles to himself as he leans back against the bed and begins flipping through the catalog. “I guess you’ve got two of those now then.”